Per Mertesacker has disrespected Arsenal supporters as well as the club, according to former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamman.

In a recent, and refreshingly honest, interview with German publication Der Spiegel, the Gunners captain admitted that he is not longer able cope with the physical and mental strain of being a Premier League footballer.

Furthermore, the 33-year-old, who hasn't featured in a competitive match since the 4-2 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round back in January, revealed that he can't wait for the day to officially retire from the game.

"My body is finished," he said.

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"Everyone says I should enjoy the last year, to play as much as possible and take everything in, (but) I would rather sit on the bench or - even better - in the stands, and then, for the first time in my life, aged more than 30, I will feel free."

Per Mertesacker celebrates (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Whilst a number of Arsenal supporters showed support for the World Cup winner, Mertesacker's compatriot Hamman has been left rather impressed with those comments.

"He makes another statement that is questionable for me," Hamann told Sky Germany, as reported by the Evening Standard.

"He is still under contract with Arsenal and says that he has no more buck and likes to sit in the stands. He is still paid by the club and has a responsibility.